After learning of a Modesto family who lost their home and belongings during a July 31 fire, Turlockers united via social media to collect household goods, clothing and other items for the family of four.

A donation event, held at 6 p.m. Monday at the Pitman High School parking lot, was scheduled by Turlock Neighborhood Watch Facebook page founder Dani Love and her friend Marissa Romero in response to learning of the family’s loss.

“I’m sorry for what happened to the family,” said Romero, who helped collect items during the donation event. “No one should go through that…To the people who donated, thank you all for helping this family and giving them less stress on themselves.”

Although only eight people came by the event to donate, Love and Romero said that they have received numerous calls and messages from people looking to donate items to the family.

“We’ve gone and picked up items as well, and have received quite a lot actually,” said Romero during the event. “I started to pass the word around that a family is in need of help, but little did I know that the whole City of Turlock would come together and help after Dani and I posted about it. Half of my house is full of donations, from clothes to plates, toys, shoes, beds and a TV.”

Nicolas and Jessica Venturini, along with their two children, a two-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl, lost everything in their home on Elmwood Avenue in Modesto after a fire led to a roof collapse. According to reports, the estimated loss was $50,000.

“This is a family who had everything and in a blink of an eye, nothing was left,” said Romero. “These donations show that there are a lot of good people out there. Thank you to Turlock and everyone in it.”

Nic Venturini’s cousins, Whitney and Brandon Lasater, were also at the donation event on Monday, helping receive any donations for their family members. They say the family needs clothing and other household goods. Nic Venturini, a personal trainer, wears medium shirts and size 32 or 34 pants. Jessica Venturini, a customer service rep at a call center, wears sizes small to medium and size 6 pants. The children wear clothing relative to their ages.

Those interested in making a donation to the Venturini family, may contact Whitney Lasater at WLasatar121@gmail.com.